Setting your budget will be one of the most important first steps in planning your wedding. No budget means No Focus. And no focus can lead you right down the path to marital BILLS  - instead of BLISS!  And there’s nothing worse starting your marriage off in debt!  (Did you know that the number one reason listed for a breakdown in any relationship is FINANCES?!)

To start you off on the right foot, think of what you want to spend on your wedding - in TOTAL, then you can begin to determine how much you want to spend on EACH ITEM.

2. Determine Your Priorities

Sit down with your fiancé and determine separately, what each of your top 3 priorities are for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Then come together and combine the two. See if you both want the same things, or if there’s a way to incorporate both lists so each person is happy.

Remember that about HALF of your entire budget will go toward your reception. The other half will need to be split up to cover the rest of your costs.

Setting your priorities also helps you stay on track when shopping for vendors! Determining what is most important will help you remember where most of your time, energy and focus, and MONEY should be going.

And be diligent with yourself! If you only have $500.00 to spend on flowers, be upfront with your florist and tell them so. Most people love a challenge and will work very hard to earn your business and stay within your allotted funds. And you’ll feel better in the end if you stick within your original budget outline!

3. Be Creative!

Now that you know what your priorities are, WHO do you know. Is there anyone in your circle of friends that has a special skill or talent that would be honoured to lend a hand or some expert advice for your wedding?

Do you have a friend with a green thumb and a gorgeous back yard that would love the chance to craft a special centrepiece or chair decorations for you?  Or another friend who is a master calligrapher?

Most people feel honoured to participate in a special way when it comes to your wedding. So don’t be shy – tell them how much it would mean to have their creative talents included in your day.

4. Talk to the Boss

When dealing with vendors, it’s important that you go to the DECISION MAKER when it comes to crafting a contract. Deal only with the people that have the power to make special changes for you!

Employees or Reps at a company don’t like to bother the boss when it comes to asking for a deal, and depending on a middle-man to represent your needs may end up like a game of broken telephone. On top of that, many reps work on commission – so rather than feeling like your cutting into someone’s pay cheque, go straight to the top and you’ll see that there’s more flexibility and wiggle room up there.

5. Negotiate EVERYTHING!

When is it appropriate to negotiate? ALWAYS! As mentioned above, always go to the decision maker. Take a look at package deals, then decide what you want, and what you don’t want. Ask what the price will be without the items you don’t want.

If the price isn’t negotiable, ask what else could be included in the package (consider ‘no-cost items). Maybe there’s a room FULL of gorgeous centerpieces or chair covers they’d be happy to ‘give’ you instead. After all, it doesn’t cost anything to pull an item from the stock room and place it on your table! That way everyone comes out on top!

**For more great budget tips, contact Jennifer at Bride on a Budget**

www.brideonabudget.ca
info@brideonabudget.ca
416-238-BDGT (2348)